The impact of wildfire smoke on birth defects during pregnancy

Wildfire Smoke Exposure in Pregnancy and Risk of Structural Birth Defects

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10829484

This study is looking at how breathing in wildfire smoke while pregnant might raise the chances of having a baby with certain birth defects, and it's for expectant moms who want to know more about the risks of smoke exposure during pregnancy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10829484 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy may increase the risk of structural birth defects in newborns. By analyzing data from large population-based studies, the researchers will assess the relationship between smoke exposure and various birth defects, focusing on critical periods of pregnancy. The study will utilize detailed metrics of wildfire smoke exposure, air quality, and maternal housing conditions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks involved.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals living in areas affected by wildfire smoke, particularly in California.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those living in areas with minimal wildfire smoke exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for protecting pregnant individuals from environmental hazards, potentially reducing the incidence of birth defects.

How similar studies have performed: While few studies have explored this specific relationship, the approach of using detailed exposure metrics and large datasets has shown promise in related environmental health research.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.